Question
tiny
This tiny bug, the size of a grain of sand or smaller was found on my mini phalaenopsis flower petal. Where could it have come from and should I be alarmed?
AnswerThe dark spot is likely a scale insect. See my suggestions for the mealy bug. Scale insects derive their name from the adult insect which forms a hard, dark shell under which it likely will be laying eggs. Scale insects have a "creeper" stage which is when the insects travels about the plant sucking its sap. The latter stage is more difficult to spot as it blends in with the color of the plant tissue on which it feeds. Both mealy and scale are the most common infestations of orchids. You may be able to locate a systemic insecticide to supplement the use of the q-tip and alcohol. Systemic insecticides are called that because they are absorbed into the plant tissues. As new insects hatch and begin feeding, they ingest the insecticide and die as a result. Likely, both mealy and scale infestations were present when you obtained the plants. They likely were present in egg form or hidden in the potting mix or in crevices on the plant where they are hard to spot. Be sure to isolate your infested plants from other plants as these pests can migrate to other plants. When you repot, soak the unpotted plants in a systemic insecticide and be sure to use fresh, new orchid potting mix and pot after treating them.
